Page 15 - July JSF report

STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF FLORIDA ANNUAL MEETING REPORT (3) Florida Polytechnic University
After many years with lots of changes at the University, this was the first year that they have not had to move their offices. They had a large increase in the currently enrolled now applying for the scholarships. They would like to hear from other schools about how to expand the faculty connection to the department.
Florida International University
Yesenis said that this is her first year at this meeting. Her focus this past year has been on marketing and using their animated corgi mascot which is working well for them. They think it helps make the staff more accessible and more approachable. Last year they awarded 85 scholarships. To date this year they have 104 initial applications and 44 renewals. They are working on establishing a business access network.
Florida Gulf Coast University
There is still no new President in place and that impacts the University as a whole. FGCU applications for scholarships have been down the past few years. The University has one application for all students. They are working to be sure that that application is dovetailing with their application for the JSF scholarships. All scholarship recipients are recognized at a big ceremony. They would like to host one just for their JSF scholars.
Florida Atlantic University
FAU notes that, over the years, they have awarded over $3 million in JSF scholarships to their students. They started a peer mentorship program this year. They are conducting workshops that they feel are very responsive to their students’ wants and needs. The University has seen an 18% increase in population and their office has seen a comparable number of new students registering with them for services.
Florida A & M University
They have over 80 applications right now which is a significant increase. Deborah noted that the need is great. CeDar hosts their own annual awards ceremony. They run the College Studies Skills Institute for 6 weeks in the summer for students with disabilities who do not qualify for admittance to FAMU. This is a very sought after course that accommodates ~35 students. They are hoping to increase that to 45 this summer as there is a large waitlist. They have a mobility van and have just purchased 2 golf carts to assist their students in getting to classes on this rather hilly campus.
Discussion ensued over why applications have been down. It was pointed out that many students (most?) qualified for federal COVID aid. There is increased need now as the COVID funds have run out.
A question arose about the deadline for the applications. Many of the financial aid departments need more time to get back with the necessary financial information. May 1st was suggested and Kirsten said that she had no problem with that deadline. All agreed to change the posted deadline to May 1st. It was also suggested that the application be available in websites all year round to make it easier for students to plan and work on the application ahead of time.
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